Hold-down connectors and wall systems

ABSTRACT

A hold-down connector for attaching metal studs forming a wall assembly to a support structure. One embodiment of the hold-down connector has a base portion that has first and second side gusset plates protruding therefrom. The first and second side gusset plates each have a welding edge constructed to be welded to a portion of a structural member, such as a vertically extending stud. A base plate may be placed onto the base portion and the base portion may be attached to a support structure with at least one fastener that extends through the base portion and base plate. Some embodiments may have cross straps attached thereto. Other embodiments have hook-like fasteners formed in the first and second side gusset plates for hooking engagement with a structure member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/260,359, filed Oct. 27, 2005, entitled Hold-Down Connector, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to building construction components and, more particularly, to connectors for anchoring wall studs to foundations or underlying support structures and wall systems for commercial and residential structures.

2. Description of the Invention Background

Regardless of whether the frame of a building is constructed from wood and/or steel, such frame structures are commonly subjected to a variety of forces. Among the most significant of such forces are gravity, wind, and seismic forces. Gravity is a vertically acting force, while wind and seismic forces are primarily laterally acting.

The walls of a structure fabricated from wood components are commonly formed from a collection of wall studs that are connected to top and bottom members or “plates” at desired spacing schemes (i.e., 16 inches from center to center). The studs and plates usually comprise 2×4 and or 2×6 boards. In metal frame arrangements, the studs and plates commonly comprise C-shaped members that are interconnected, for example, by screws or other fastening techniques.

To provide the frame with resistance to the types of lateral forces mentioned above, shear wall panels are often attached to portions of the frame formed by the vertically extending studs and top and bottom plates or tracks such that they extend therebetween. Common forms of shear wall panels include one or more types of sheathing such as plywood, fiberboard, particleboard, and/or drywall to the inside or both sides of the wall frame. In multistory applications or applications wherein high shear forces are contemplated, shear wall panels comprising a sheet of steel with gypsum or other material affixed thereto are commonly employed. These shear wall panels transmit the lateral forces acting on the frame of the building to the walls of subsequent floors below it and ultimately to the foundation upon which the walls are supported.

In non-shear applications, common fastener such as nails, screws or bolts are employed to affix the wall structure to the underlying support structure. However, in applications wherein high shear and other forces are contemplated, conventional fastener arrangements employed in non-shear applications are often inadequate. Thus, over the years, various types of connection devices have been developed for connecting the wall studs of a shear wall to the underlying structure or foundation. Such connectors are commonly referred to in the industry as “hold-downs”. Examples of such hold-down connectors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 4,665,672 to Commins et al., U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 4,744,192 to Commins, U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 4,825,621 to Jensen, U.S. Ser. Pat. No. 5,092,097 to Young, U.S. Ser. Pat. No. 5,249,404 to Leek et al., U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 6,112,495 to Gregg et al., U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 6,158,188 to Shahnazarian and U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 6,513,290 to Leek.

Prior hold-down connectors, however, are commonly screwed to metal studs. In applications wherein relatively high shear and deflection forces are anticipated, upwards of 10 and even up to 48 or more fasteners have been be used to fasten a hold-down to a corresponding stud and attain the required attachment strength. Regardless of whether the installer employs power tools to install the fasteners, the process of installing large numbers of fasteners results in an undesirably slow installation process. In addition, the hold-downs must be made with vertically extending portions that are large enough to accommodate the required number of fasteners.

Other attempts at fastening hold-down connectors utilizing welding proved to be difficult, time consuming and cumbersome because the welds were made at the outside back edges of the hold-down itself which provided little space for welding and also made it very difficult to inspect the quality of the welds.

Thus, as can be appreciated from the forgoing discussion, there is a need for a simple hold-down connector that can be quickly and easily coupled to metal studs without the use of large numbers of fasteners.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hold-down connector that comprises a base plate that has at least one base plate fastener opening therethrough. A back plate is attached to the base plate and at least one side gusset plate is attached to the base plate and the back plate such that it extends therebetween. At least one close-ended welding slot is provided through the back plate. The welding slot has a slot width and a slot length that is greater than the slot width and is less than the length of the back plate.

In accordance with another embodiment of the subject invention, there is provided a hold-down connector that comprises a base plate that has at least one base plate fastener opening therethrough. A back plate is attached to the base plate and at least one side gusset plate is attached to the base plate and the back plate such that it extends therebetween. A first welding slot is provided through the back plate. The first welding slot has a first slot width and a first slot length that is greater than the first slot width. A second welding slot is provided through the back plate. The second welding slot has a second slot width and a second slot length that is greater than the second slot width.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the subject invention, there is provided a wall system that includes a support structure and a wall frame supported on the support structure. The wall frame comprises at least one vertically extending metal stud that has a stud web and two stud flanges that protrude from the stud web in spaced-apart relation to each other. The wall system further comprises a hold-down connector that includes a base plate that is attached to the support structure. A vertically extending back plate is attached to the base plate. The vertically extending back plate extends between the stud flanges and is welded to the stud web along at least one slot in the back plate.

In accordance with another embodiment of the subject invention there is provided a hold-down connector that comprises a base plate that has at least one base plate fastener opening therethrough and a back plate that is attached to the base plate. The back plate extends vertically therefrom from the base plate and has a length and a width. At least one side gusset plate is attached to the base plate and the back plate and extends therebetween. At least two elongated welding slots are provided through the back plate and at least one other elongated welding slot is provided through another portion of the back plate. At least one of the other elongated welding slots is axially aligned with at least one of the elongated welding slots.

Another embodiment comprises a hold-down connector for attachment to a structural member that has a web. In one embodiment, the hold-down connector includes a base portion that has at least one base portion fastener opening therethrough. A first side gusset plate protrudes from a first side of the base portion. The first side gusset plate has a first welding edge that is constructed to be welded to the web of the structural member. A second side gusset plate protrudes from a second side of the base plate and has a second welding edge that is constructed to be welded to the web of the structural member. The second welding edge is spaced from the first welding edge a first distance. A base plate is received on the base portion between the first and second side gusset plates. The base plate has an opening therethrough that corresponds with one of the at least one base portion fastener openings in the base portion.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a hold-down connector for attachment to a structural member that has a web. One embodiment of the hold-down connector includes a base portion that has at least one base portion fastener opening therethrough. A first side gusset plate protrudes from a first side of the base portion and has a first attachment edge that has at least one first fastener hook formed therein for hooking engagement with a corresponding portion of the web of the structural member. A second side gusset plate protrudes from a second side of the base portion and is spaced a first distance from the first side gusset plate. The second side gusset plate has a second attachment edge that has at least one second fastener hook formed therein for hooking engagement with another corresponding portion of the web of the structural member. A base plate is received on the base portion between the first and second side gusset plates and has an opening therethrough that corresponds with at least one of the at least on base portion fastener openings in the base portion.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a wall system that includes a support structure and a wall frame that is supported on the support structure. The wall frame comprises at least one vertically extending metal stud that has a stud web and two stud flanges protruding from the stud web in spaced-apart relation to each other. The wall system further includes a hold-down connector that has a base portion that is attached to the support structure. A first side gusset plate protrudes from a first side of the base portion and has a first welding edge that is welded to a corresponding portion of the stud web of one of the at least one vertically extending metal studs. A second side gusset plate protrudes from a second side of the base portion and has a second welding edge that is spaced from the first welding edge a first distance and is welded to another corresponding portion of the stud web.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a wall system that includes a support structure and a wall frame that is supported on the support structure. The wall frame comprises at least one vertically extending metal stud that has a stud web and two stud flanges that protrude from the stud web in spaced-apart relation to each other. Various embodiments of the wall system may also include a hold-down connector that corresponds to one of the vertically extending metal studs and comprises a base portion that is attached to the support structure. A first side gusset plate protrudes from a first side of the base portion and has a first welding edge welded to one of the stud flanges of the corresponding vertically extending metal stud. A second side gusset plate protrudes from a second side of the base portion and has a second welding edge that is spaced from the first welding edge a first distance and is welded to another stud flange of the corresponding vertically extending metal stud.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a wall system that includes a support structure and a wall frame that is supported on the support structure. The wall frame comprises at least one vertically extending metal stud that has a stud web and two stud flanges that protrude from the stud web in spaced-apart relation to each other. Various embodiments may also include a hold-down connector that corresponds to one of the least one vertically extending metal studs. The hold-down connector may comprise a base portion that is attached to the support structure. A first side gusset plate protrudes from a first side of the base portion and has at least one first hook protruding therefrom for hooking engagement with the stud web of the corresponding vertically extending metal studs. A second side gusset plate protrudes from a second side of the base portion and has at least one second hook protruding therefrom for hooking engagement with the stud web of the corresponding vertically extending metal stud.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the invention provide solutions to the shortcomings of other hold-down connectors and methods of attaching the hold-down connectors to studs in various applications. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, that these and other details, features and advantages will become further apparent as the following detailed description proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate like parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of a wall structure employing a plurality of hold-down connectors forming one embodiment of the present invention to attach the studs of the wall structure to a portion of a support structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a pair of studs of the wall structure of FIG. 1 attached to the support structure with one hold-down embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of one base plate embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a hold-down embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the hold-down of FIG. 4 with the base plate shown in cross-section for clarity and the knockout of a conventional stud shown in phantom lines to illustrate the positioning of the weld slots of the hold-down in relation to the knockout;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a hold-down embodiment in relation to a single metal stud;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a hold-down connector of the subject invention attached to the web of a stud by two sections of weld;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the hold-down and stud of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation al view of another hold-down embodiment of the subject invention with the base plate thereof shown in cross-section for clarity;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the hold-down of FIG. 9 welded to the web of a stud that does not have a knockout adjacent to the hold-down;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the hold-down of FIG. 9 welded to the web of a stud that has a knockout therethrough;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of another hold-down embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the hold-down of FIG. 12 welded to the web of a stud;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of another hold-down embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the hold-down of FIG. 14 welded to the web of a stud;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another hold-down connector of the present invention attached to a web of a vertically extending stud;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the hold-down connector and stud of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the hold-down connector of FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a portion of another wall structure employing hold-down connectors forming one embodiment of the present invention to attach the studs of the wall structure to a portion of a support structure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another hold-down connector of the present invention attached to a web of a vertically extending stud in a wall structure;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective assembly view of another hold-down embodiment and vertical stud arrangement;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a portion of the hold-down connector and corresponding vertically extending stud of FIG. 21 prior to attaching the hold-down connector to the stud; and

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of portion of the stud and hold-down connector of FIG. 22 after the hold-down connector has been hookingly attached to the stud.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings for the purposes of illustrating the present embodiments of the invention only and not for the purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates a shear wall structure 10 wherein at least two hold-down connectors 100 of one embodiment of the subject invention are employed to attach the shear wall structure 10 to a support structure 12. The support structure 12 may comprise, for example, a concrete foundation or another wall assembly, etc. The wall structure 10 in this arrangement includes a conventional bottom track 14 that has a web 16 and two upstanding flanges 18. The bottom track 14 is supported on the support structure 12 and may be attached to the support structure 12 utilizing appropriate conventional fasteners.

The shear wall structure 10 further includes a top track 20 that also has a web 22 and a pair of flanges 24. The top track 20 may be attached to joists, girders, beams, tracks, etc. depending upon the structure that it is designed to support. A plurality of conventional metal studs 32 extend between the top and bottom tracks and are attached thereto. In the wall structure depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the metal studs 32 are arranged in “back-to-back” or “web-to web” pairs 30 that are spaced at desired intervals of, for example, 16, 18, 24, etc. inches “on center”. The reader will appreciate, however, that, depending upon the wall structure's particular design requirements, single metal studs 32 may be arranged at desired spacing intervals in place of the pairs 30 of back-to-back studs 32.

The metal studs 32 may be of conventional design and each have a web 34 and a pair of flanges 36. See FIG. 2. A return 38 is formed on the end of each of the flanges 34 as shown. The pairs 30 of studs 32 may be attached together with their webs 34 in abutting relationship by fastener screws, welds, etc. The pairs 30 of studs 32 may be attached to the top track and the bottom track by fastener screws 44. See FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2-8 illustrate one hold-down connector embodiment 100 of the present invention. As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5-8, hold-down connector 100 includes a base plate 110, a back plate 120 and a pair of (“first and second”) side gusset plates 130. One embodiment of the base plate 110 that is particularly well suited for use with a conventional 3.625 inch metal stud is depicted in FIG. 3 and may be fabricated from ⅜ inch metal plate.

In this embodiment, the base plate 110 may be provided with an opening 112 for receiving a conventional fastener therethrough. In one embodiment, the opening comprises an elongated base plate hole or slot. One embodiment of the base plate 110 depicted in FIG. 3 may be fabricated from ⅜ inch steel plate and have the following dimensions: dimension “A” is approximately 3 inches; dimension “B” is approximately 2 5/16 inches; dimension “C” is approximately 1⅜ inches; dimension “D” is approximately 1⅛ inches. To facilitate easy assembly and welding of the base plate 110 to the back plate 120 and the gusset plates 130, the rear corners 114,116 of the base plate 110 may be clipped as shown. For example, dimensions “E” may be approximately 3/16 inch and dimension “F: may be approximately 1 15/16 inches. The skilled artisan will appreciate, however, that the composition and the various dimensions and shape of the base plate 110 and fastener opening 112 may be altered depending upon the sizes of the components (studs, track, fasteners, etc.) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As indicated above, this embodiment of the hold-down connector 100 of the present invention also includes a back plate 120 and a pair of gusset plates 130. See FIGS. 4-6. The back plate 120 and the gusset plates 130 may comprise an integral component and be fabricated from single piece of steel or the gusset plates 130 may extend from the lateral sides 121,123 of the back plate 120 and be welded thereto in the configuration depicted in the above-mentioned Figures. In one embodiment, for example, the back plate 120 and the side gusset plates 130 are fabricated from 10 gage 50 ksi steel. However, other types and thicknesses of metal material could conceivably be used.

FIG. 4 illustrates the shape of the side gusset plates 130 of one hold-down connector embodiment of the subject invention. In this embodiment, for example, dimension “G” may be approximately 3½ inches; dimension “H” may be approximately 1 foot-6½ inches; and dimension “I” may be approximately ¾ inch.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the hold-down connector 100 of the present invention. As can be seen in that Figure, the base plate 110 may be offset a distance “J” from the bottom ends of the back plate 120 and the side gusset plates 130 to facilitate welding (represented by weld 119) of the base plate 110 to at least the gusset plates 130 and preferably to the gusset plates 130 and the back plate 120. The back plate 120 has a width “K” that will enable the back plate 120 to extend between the stud returns 38 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Also in this embodiment, the back plate 120 is provided with a pair of elongated (welding) slots 122 that have “closed ends”. As used herein, the term “closed end” means that the slot does not extend longitudinally through either end of the backing plate. In this embodiment, the slots 122 are oriented such that they extend past the lateral sides of a “knockout” opening 40 that is commonly provided through the web 34 of the metal stud 32. See FIGS. 5 and 7. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the knockout opening 40 is typically approximately 4 inches long (dimension “L”) and its bottom edge is commonly approximately 10 inches (dimension “M”) from the bottom of the stud 32. The knockout 40 is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 5 for illustration only. In this embodiment, the knockout 40 does not form any part of the back plate 120.

Each of the slots 122 has a slot length “N” and a slot width “O”. In one embodiment, the slot length “N” is greater than the slot width “O” and is less than the length “H” of the back plate 120 such that the slot 122 is not open ended. In one embodiment, for example, the slot length “N” is at least fifty percent of the length “H” of the back plate 120, but is not greater than or equal to the length “H”. That is, in at least one embodiment, the slots 122 do not extend through the upper or lower ends of the back plate 12O, but stop short of those ends of the back plate 120. See FIG. 5. For example, in one embodiment, the slot length “N” is approximately 10 inches, the slot width “O” is approximately ¼ inch and the length “H” of the back plate 120 is approximately 1 foot-6½ inches. The top edges of the slots 122 may be approximately 1 inch from the upper end of the hold-down 100 (dimension “P” in FIG. 5). Each slot 122 has an inside edge 127 and an outside edge 129. The inside edges 127 of each slot 122 may be approximately ¾ inch from the centerline (“CL”) of the hold-down 100 (dimensions “Q” in FIG. 5). The back plate 120 may then be welded (welds 160, 160′) to the web 34 of the stud 32 through the slots 122 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 such that one weld 160 is applied to one of the outside edge 129 of one of the slots 122 and another weld 160′ is applied to the outside side 129 of the other slot 122.

The hold-down connector 100 may be attached to the support structure 12 by a suitable fastener arrangement 170. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2-8, a conventional anchor bolt 172, nut 174, and washer 176 are employed. Other suitable fasteners may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject invention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict another hold-down connector embodiment 200 of the present invention. Hold-down connector 200 may be substantially similar to the hold-down connector 100 as described above, except that hold-down connector 200 has a single slot 222. As can be seen in those Figures, the hold-down connector 200 has a base plate 210 that may be of the same construction and configuration as base plate 110 described above. Base plate 210 has a fastener opening 212 therethrough that may have the same characteristics as fastener opening 112 described above. Hold-down connector 200 also has a back plate 220 and a pair of gusset plates 230. The gusset plates 230 may be integrally formed with the back plate 220 or they may comprise separate pieces that are welded to the back plate 220. Gusset plates 230 may be of similar construction and size as the gusset plates 130 described above.

In this embodiment, a single slot 222 may be provided through the back plate 220. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, slot 220 is axially aligned with the center axis CL of the back plate 220. However, the slot 220 may be situated on either side of the axis CL if desired. The slot 222 has a slot length N′ and a slot width O′. In one embodiment, for a back plate 220 that has a length H′ of approximately 1 foot-6½ inches and a width K′of approximately 2¾ inches, the slot length N′ may be approximately 1 foot-2 inches and the slot width O′ may be approximately ¾ inches. Slot 222 has two side edges 223, 225. Other slot sizes and shapes may be employed.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the stud 32 does not have a knockout 40 located in the vicinity of the slot 222 when the hold-down connector 200 is positioned as shown. Thus, continuous beads of weld 260, 260′ may be applied to the edges 223, 225, respectively as shown in FIG. 10 to connect the hold-down connector 200 to the web 34 of the stud 32. For those applications wherein the stud 32 does have a knockout 40 therethrough, depending upon the design loads of the hold-down connection 200, the installer may be able to simply apply the welds 260, 260′ to the portions of the edges 223, 225 of the slot 222 oriented above and below the knock out 40 as shown in FIG. 11.

Somewhat similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, a hold-down connector 300 may be provided with at least two axially aligned slots 322 that each have edges 323, 325. See FIG. 12. The hold-down connector 300 may otherwise be substantially identical to the hold-down connector 200 described above. In particular, the hold-down connector 300 has a base plate 310, a back plate 320 and two gusset plates 330. The base plate 310 has a fastener opening 312 therethrough. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the hold-down connector 300 is attached to the web 34 of the stud 32 by two beads or sections of welds 360, 360′ applied to the slot edges 323, 325, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the slot 322 that is situated above the knockout 40 in the stud 32 may not be axially aligned along the central axis CL with the welding slot 322 that is situated below the knock out 40. In addition, one or more of the slots may have opposing side edges or portions that are not parallel to each other.

Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15. As can be seen in those Figures, the hold-down connector 400 of this embodiment has three “upper” slots 422, 432, 442 located in a portion of the back plate 420 that would be above the hole 40 in a corresponding stud 32 when installed and three “lower” slots 426, 436, 446 in the portion of the back plate 420 located below the hole 40 in the corresponding stud 32. In the embodiment depicted, the slots 422, 432, 442 are the same size and shape and are substantially laterally aligned with each other. However, in other embodiments, the upper slots 422, 432, 442 may have different sizes and shapes and/or may not be laterally aligned with each other. In addition, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, the upper slots 426, 436, 446 are substantially the same size and shape and are laterally aligned with each other. In other embodiments, however, the lower slots 426, 436, 446 may have different sizes and shapes and/or may not be laterally aligned with each other. Also, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, upper slot 422 is axially aligned with the lower slot 426. The second upper slot 432 is axially aligned with the second lower slot 436 and the third upper slot 442 is axially aligned with the third lower slot 446. In other embodiments, one or more of the upper slots may not be aligned with corresponding lower slots. It will also be appreciated that other numbers of upper and lower slots may be employed. For example, in another embodiment, only two upper slots and two lower slots are provided. In other embodiments two upper slots and three lower slots are provided and in yet another alternative three upper lost and two upper slots are provided. Thus, the number, size, shape and arrangement of upper and lower slots may vary depending upon the expected loading conditions.

The hold-down connector 400 may otherwise be substantially identical to the hold-down connector 200 described above. In particular, the hold-down connector 400 has a base plate 410, a back plate 420 and two gusset plates 430. The base plate 410 has a fastener opening 412 therethrough. As can be seen in FIG. 15, the hold-down connector 400 is attached to the web 34 of the stud 32 by beads or sections of welds 460 applied through each of the slots 422, 432, 442, 426, 436, 446.

FIGS. 16-18 depict another hold-down connector embodiment 500 of the present invention that may be used in connection with a wall structure 10 of the type and construction described above. Such wall structure may be mounted to a support structure 12 and be fabricated from various types of structural members such as vertically extending metal studs 32. As can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, one embodiment of the hold-down connector 500 has a base portion 510 that extends between a first side gusset plate 520 and a second side gusset plate 526. The hold-down connector 500 may be of one piece construction or, in alternative embodiments, the first side gusset plate 520 and the second side gusset plate 526 may be welded or otherwise attached to the base portion 510. Each of these embodiments may be fabricated from, for example, steel or other suitable metal material. In both embodiments, the first side gusset plate 520 protrudes from a first side 512 of the base portion and the second side gusset plate 526 protrudes from a second side 514 of the base portion 510. See FIG. 16.

In various embodiments, a base plate 530 may be received on the base portion 510 between the first side gusset plate 520 and the second side gusset plate 526 as shown. The base plate 530 may comprise a steel plate whose thickness will depend upon the expected loading conditions. For example, base plates having thicknesses ranging from ¼″ to ¾″ could be employed. Base plate 530 has at least one fastener opening 532 therethrough that coincides with a base portion opening 511 in the base portion 510. See FIG. 18.

In one embodiment, the first and second side gusset plates 520, 526 may be identical in size and shape and each have a height “HT” of approximately 10″. See FIG. 18. Such dimensions and the overall shape of the first and second side gusset plates 520, 526 may vary depending upon the expected loading conditions and specific applications. The first and second side gusset plates 520, 526 may be spaced apart from each other a first distance “FD”. See FIG. 17. As will be discussed in further detail below, the first distance “FD” may vary depending upon the width “W” of the structural member to which it is attached and/or whether cross-straps are employed.

As can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the first side gusset plate 520 has a first welding edge 522 that is adapted to abut the web 34 of the structural member or stud 32 and be welded thereto. Similarly, the second gusset plate 526 has a second welding edge 528 that is adapted to abut the web 34 of the stud 32 and be welded thereto. First fillet welds 540 are applied to the inside and outside of each first welding edge 522 to weld the first side gusset plate 520 to the web 34 of the stud 32 and second fillet welds 542 are applied to each side of the second welding edge 528 to weld the second side gusset plate 526 to the web 34 of the stud 32 as shown in FIG. 17. However, it will be appreciated that the fillet welds may also be applied to only one side of each of the gusset plates depending upon the particular application.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17, the first distance “FD” between the first and second side gusset portions 520,526 is less than the width “W” of the web 34 of the stud 32. For example, in some applications wherein a strap is attached to the connector, the first distance “FD” may be approximately ¼ less (⅛ inch less on each side) thank the width “W”. In other applications wherein no strap is employed the first distance “FD” may be approximately 1⅜ inch less than the width “W”. These dimensions are provided as examples only and are not intended to be limiting. The hold-down connector 500 may be attached to the support structure 12 by a suitable fastener arrangement 170 of the type described above which may include a conventional anchor bolt 172 that extends through the fastener openings 532, 511 and engages the support structure 12. A nut 174 and washer 176 are installed on the anchor bolt 172 to complete the fastener arrangement. Other suitable fasteners and other numbers of fasteners could conceivably be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject invention.

In alternative wall constructions, such as the wall structure 10′ depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20, cross-straps 590, 594 are employed to provide additional strength to the wall. In these applications, because the straps 590, 594 are used, the first distance “FD” between the first and second side gusset plates 520, 526 can be of a magnitude such that when the hold-down connector 500 is oriented relative to the web 34 of the stud 32 as shown in FIG. 20, the first side gusset plate 520 is substantially coplanar with a corresponding one of the stud flanges 36 and the second side gusset plate 526 is substantially co-planar with the other stud flange 36. This facilitates welding of the first and second side gusset plates 520, 526 to the stud flanges 36. As can be seen in FIG. 20, an end 592 of a first cross-strap 590 is attached to a portion of the first side gusset plate 520 and a second end 596 of a second cross-strap 594 is attached to a portion of the second side gusset plate 526. The straps 590, 594 may be attached to the first side gusset plate 520 and the second side gusset plate 526, respectively, by welding or other suitable fastener arrangements.

In various embodiments, the first welding edge 522 is abutted against the web 34 of the stud 32 such that the first side gusset plate 520 may be welded to a corresponding one of the flanges 36 of the stud 32 by welds 540. Likewise, the second welding edge 528 is abutted against the web 34 of the stud 32 such that the second side gusset plate 526 may be welded to the other flange 36 of the stud 32. An additional first fillet weld 542 may be applied along the inside edge of the first side gusset plate 520 and a second fillet weld 544 may be applied to the inside edge of the second side gusset plate 526 to weld the first and second side gusset plates 520, 526 to the web 34 of the stud 32. See FIG. 20.

FIG. 21 illustrates another hold-down connector embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in that Figure, the hold-down connector 600 includes a base portion 610 and a first side gusset plate 620 and a second side gusset plate 626. The base portion 610 and the first and second side gusset plates 620, 626 may be substantially similar to the base portion 510 and the first and second side gusset plates 520, 526, respectively, except for the following differences. As can be seen in FIG. 21, a first series 623 of first hook-like fasteners 624 are formed into the first rear edge 622 of the first side gusset plate 620. The first hook-like fasteners 624 each correspond to a first series 33 of first slots 35 in the web 34 of the stud 32. The first series 33 of first slots 35 are so arranged in the web 34 of the stud 32 such that the corresponding first hook-like fasteners 624 may be inserted therethrough (FIG. 22) and moved downwardly to engage the web 34 as shown in FIG. 23. Similarly, a second series 627 of second hook-like fasteners 629 are formed into the second rear edge 628 of the second side gusset plate 626. The second hook-like fasteners 629 each correspond to a second series 37 of second slots 39 in the web 34 of the stud 32. The second series 37 of second slots 39 are so arranged in the web 34 of the stud 32 such that the corresponding second hook-like fasteners 629 may be inserted therethrough and moved downwardly to engage the web 34. Such arrangement serves to fasten the hold-down connector 600 to the stud 32 without the need for additional fastener arrangements, such as welding, etc. If desired, however, the hold-down connector 600 could also be welded to the structural member after it has been hookingly attached thereto. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21, the first distance “FD” between the first and second side gusset plates 620, 626 is less than the width “W” of the web 34 of the stud 32. In various applications, for example, the width of the base “FD” is approximately 1⅜ inch less than the width “W” of the web 34 of the stud 32.

In various embodiments, a base plate 630 is received on the base portion 610 between the first side gusset plate 620 and the second side gusset plate 626 as shown. The base plate 630 may comprise a steel plate whose thickness will depend upon the expected loading conditions. For example, base plates having thicknesses ranging from ¼″ to ¾″ could be employed. Base plate 630 has at least one fastener opening 562 therethrough that coincides with a base portion opening (not shown) in the base portion 610. A fastener arrangement of the type described above may be employed to affix the hold-down connector 600 to the support structure 12. Also, as with the above-described embodiment, a first end 702 of a first strap 700 may be attached to the first side gusset plate 620 and a second end 706 of a second strap 704 may be attached to the second side gusset plate 626 in the same manner discussed above.

The various embodiments of the subject invention represent vast improvements over prior hold-down arrangements. Various embodiments may be attached to the web of a stud by welding and/or by a unique and novel hook arrangement, thus eliminating the need to install several fastener screws.

The invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be embraced thereby. 

1. A hold-down connector for attachment to a structural member having a web, the hold-down connector comprising: a base portion having at least one base portion fastener opening therethrough; a first side gusset plate protruding from a first side of said base portion and having a first welding edge constructed to be welded to the web of the structural member; a second side gusset plate having a second welding edge constructed to be welded to the web of the structural member, said second side gusset plate protruding from a second side of said base portion such that said second welding edge is spaced from said first welding edge a first distance; and a base plate received on said base portion between said first and second side gusset plates, said base plate having an opening therethrough that corresponds with one of the at least one base portion fastener openings in said base portion.
 2. The hold-down connector of claim 1 wherein the web of the structural member has a width and wherein said first distance is less than said width.
 3. The hold-down connector of claim 1 wherein the web of the structural member has a width and wherein said first distance is substantially equal to said width.
 4. The hold-down connector of claim 1 further comprising at least one cross-strap attached to a corresponding one of said first and second side gusset plates.
 5. The hold-down connector of claim 1 wherein said first and second side gusset plates are integrally formed with said base portion.
 6. The hold-down connector of claim 1 wherein said first and second side gusset plates are attached to said base portion.
 7. A hold-down connector for attachment to a structural member having a web, the hold-down connector comprising: a base portion having at least one base portion fastener opening therethrough; a first side gusset plate protruding from a first side of said base portion, said first side gusset plate having a first attachment edge having at least one first fastener hook formed therein for hooking engagement with a corresponding portion of the web of the structural member; a second side gusset plate protruding from a second side of the base portion and spaced a first distance from said first side gusset plate, said second side gusset plate having a second attachment edge having at least one second fastener hook formed therein for hooking engagement with another corresponding portion of the web of the structural member; a base plate received on said base portion between said first and second side gusset plates, said base plate having an opening therethrough that corresponds with at least one of the at least on base portion fastener openings in said base portion.
 8. The hold-down connector of claim 7 wherein the web portion of the structural member has a width and wherein said first distance is less than said width.
 9. The hold-down connector of claim 7 wherein the web of the structural member has a width and wherein said first distance is substantially equal to said width.
 10. The hold-down connector of claim 7 further comprising at least one cross-strap attached to a corresponding one of said first and second side gusset plates.
 11. The hold-down connector of claim 7 wherein said first and second side gusset plates are integrally formed with said base portion.
 12. The hold-down connector of claim 7 wherein said first and second side gusset plates are attached to said base portion.
 13. A wall system, comprising: a support structure; a wall frame supported on said support structure, said wall frame comprising at least one vertically extending metal stud having a stud web and two stud flanges protruding from said stud web in spaced-apart relation to each other; a hold-down connector comprising: a base portion attached to said support structure; a first side gusset plate protruding from a first side of said base portion and having a first welding edge welded to a corresponding portion of said stud web of one of the at least one vertically extending metal studs; and a second side gusset plate protruding from a second side of said base portion and having a second welding edge that is spaced from said first welding edge a first distance and is welded to another corresponding portion of said stud web.
 14. The wall system of claim 13 wherein said stud web to which said first and second welding edges are welded has a width that is substantially greater than said first distance.
 15. The wall system of claim 13 wherein said stud web to which said first and second welding edges are welded has a width that is substantially equal to said first distance.
 16. The wall system of claim 15 wherein said first side gusset plate is further welded to one of said stud flanges and said second side gusset plate is further welded to another of said stud flanges.
 17. The wall system of claim 13 wherein said hold-down connector further comprises a base plate received on said base portion between said first and second gusset portions and wherein said base portion is fastened to said support structure by a fastener extending through said base portion and said base plate.
 18. The wall structure of claim 17 further comprising at least one cross-strap corresponding to at least one of said first and second side gusset plates and being attached thereto.
 19. A wall system, comprising: a support structure; a wall frame supported on said support structure, said wall frame comprising at least one vertically extending metal stud having a stud web and two stud flanges protruding from said stud web in spaced-apart relation to each other; a hold-down connector corresponding to one of said vertically extending metal studs and comprising: a base portion attached to said support structure; a first side gusset plate protruding from a first side of said base portion and having a first welding edge welded to one of said stud flanges of the corresponding vertically extending metal stud; and a second side gusset plate protruding from a second side of said base portion and having a second welding edge that is spaced from said first welding edge a first distance and is welded to another said stud flange of the corresponding vertically extending metal stud.
 20. A wall system, comprising: a support structure; a wall frame supported on said support structure, said wall frame comprising at least one vertically extending metal stud having a stud web and two stud flanges protruding from said stud web in spaced-apart relation to each other; a hold-down connector corresponding to one of said at least one vertically extending metal studs, said hold-down connector comprising: a base portion attached to said support structure; a first side gusset plate protruding from a first side of said base portion and having at least one first hook protruding therefrom for hooking engagement with said stud web of the corresponding vertically extending metal studs; and a second side gusset plate protruding from a second side of said base portion and having at least one second hook protruding therefrom for hooking engagement with said stud web of said corresponding vertically extending metal stud.
 21. The wall system of claim 20 wherein said web of said corresponding vertically extending metal stud has a first series of first slots therethrough that correspond in number to a plurality of said first fastener hooks and a second series of second slots that correspond in number to a plurality of second fastener hooks.
 22. The hold-down connector of claim 20 wherein said stud web of said corresponding vertically extending metal stud has a width and wherein said first side gusset plate is spaced from said second side gusset plate a first distance that is less than said width.
 23. The hold-down connector of claim 20 wherein said first and second side gusset plates are integrally formed with said base portion.
 24. The hold-down connector of claim 20 wherein said first and second side gusset plates are attached to said base portion. 